Blue Lupin
Common name
Blue Lupin
Scientific Name
Lupinus cosentinii
Type of plant
Legumes And Peas (Family Fabaceae)
About this weed
Blue Lupins originated in the Mediterranean but have been widely cultivated in agricultural areas as both a grain legume and stock fodder. But this robust annual has also become a serious and widespread weed as it dominates if left unchecked in urban bushland. But it can be almost eliminated as continuous weeding reduces the seed stock and seedlings are not allowed to mature. It is a prolific seeder which also modifies the soil condition.
Description
A robust, much-branched annual, growing to 1.4 m high. Originally from the Mediterranean and widely cultivated as a grain legume crop and as a fodder crop. Stubble and large quantities of seed can cause poisoning in stock. Seed germinates in autumn, plants grow through winter and spring, and die with the onset of summer drought.
Impact on Bushland
If left will spread over bushland and impact on plant communities. It is capable of fixing nitrogen.
Location
Occurs on the Swan Coastal Plain and through various areas in the South-West Province. Prefers sandy and loamy soils. Usually found on road verges, river edges and swamps.
Priority for removal
High: major threat to the conservation values of Banksia woodlands and South-West Province.
Management (hand)
Hand remove scattered plants prior to flowering. Optimum manual removal June to September.
Management (herbicide)
Spray dense infestations with metsulfuron methyl 0.1g/15 L (2-3 g/ha) + wetting agent. Larger areas can be treated with more selective herbicides such as 200 g/ha Lontrel or 50 g/ha Logran (based on 500 L of water/ha). For spot spraying use 4 g Lontrel or 1 g Logran in 10 L of water + wetting agent. Glyphosate is relatively ineffective. Read the manufacturers’ labels and material safety data sheets before using herbicides. Optimum herbicide treatment June to September.
Flowering month/s
August, September, October, November
Flower colour/s
Blue
Information source
https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/4066
Additional information
https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/weeds/swanweeds/
Hussey, B.M.J., Keighery, G.J., Dodd, J., Lloyd, S.G. and Cousens, R.D. (2007) Western weeds. A guide to the weeds of Western Australia, Second Edition, The Weeds Society of Western Australia, Victoria Park, Western Australia.
